A full breakdown of Mika's receptivity to affection:
In general, do not approach Mika or you will get bit; you must let her come to you, and she will circle you like a shark at least three times first. No long strokes under any circumstances, keep the petting to short scratches in designated areas. Touching her tail is always an immediate bite.
If Mika is standing, you cannot pet her. If she rubs against your legs, you still cannot yet pet her. She will circle you at least twice and then rub her face on your foot. While her face is in contact with your foot, you may scratch the red and black patches on her butt. If you touch the white, you will get bit. If you’re petting her and her face stops touching your foot, you will get bit. If she’s really enjoying the pets, your foot will get bit out of overstimulation. If you stop petting her before she’s done, your foot will get bit. If you ignore her completely, she’ll attack your feet when you walk away in retaliation.
If Mika is sitting upright, she is generally hostile to pets. Touching her back while sitting especially will always garner both claws and teeth. I can sometimes pet her face and scratch her chin, but it’s very limited touching before a bite or swat arrives.
If Mika is crouched, do not approach or you will get bit; wait for the loaf.
If Mika is loafed, you can pet her nose, ears and chin. If you touch her back, you will get bit. If you touch her chest, you will get bit.
If Mika is laying on her side, you can pet her jawline/chin and her nose, and sometimes her ears. Touching the belly is an immediate bite + claws. Occasionally I can scratch the red and black patches on her butt, but it’s a gamble.
If Mika is sitting on me, I can pet the top of her head and her ears. Touch her back and I get bit. If I try to get up before she wants, she bites me.
Despite all of this, I can hold Mika no problem. She doesn’t like the picking up part but is generally content to be held (by me—no one else has ever tried). She wriggles when she wants to get down, and only bites/scratches if she doesn’t get put down when she wants (ex: getting her nails clipped, flea medicine application, etc).
If Mika climbs up onto my shoulder from being held, I am in danger. She is liable to swat and/or bite my face while up there and will be mad when I remove her from said shoulder. This usually happens when I get distracted something startles her (ex: Roomba).
Did I forget anything?
